It depends. Using less detergent can be better in certain situations, but it's not always ideal.
When Less Detergent is Better
Using less detergent is beneficial when dealing with:
- Soft water: Soft water already possesses excellent cleaning properties, so excessive detergent can lead to residue buildup in your washing machine.
- Lightly soiled loads: For clothes that are only slightly dirty, a reduced amount of detergent is sufficient to achieve cleanliness. Overusing detergent on lightly soiled clothes is wasteful and can leave behind residue.
The provided reference explicitly states: "If you have very soft water or a very lightly soiled load, you may need to use less detergent". This highlights the conditional nature of the question. Simply using less detergent isn't inherently "better," but adjusting the amount based on water hardness and soil level optimizes cleaning and prevents problems.
When Less Detergent is Not Better
Using too little detergent can result in:
- Poor cleaning: Clothes may not be thoroughly cleaned, leaving behind stains and odors.
- Residue buildup: While excessive detergent causes residue, insufficient detergent can also lead to a film left behind from soil that wasn't properly lifted and washed away.
Therefore, the key is to find the right balance. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions on the detergent packaging, adjusting the amount based on the specific factors mentioned above.
